The King's Bride: Part One

A/AN: An episode of "Reign" inspired this story. I hope everyone enjoys it. It's going to be a bit angst driven, but I do promise a happy ending … Reviews are lovely!

William Gold was the second eldest son to King Malcolm the III. He lived a lavish life in the kingdom of Albannach, but unlike many princes, he didn't get drunk on too much ale or bed numerous women. There was only one woman that fancied William, and that was his sister Rheul's maid, Belle French. Belle had come to the castle when she was only ten years old in hopes of sending her earnings back home to her poor family. She and William had become fast friends when he'd misplaced his father's favorite brooch after he'd borrowed it to pretend to be king. He watched his father wear it at parties and gatherings, and he liked how regal it made him appear. He'd nearly toppled Belle over on the castle stairs, racing down them like a mad lunatic, trying to retrace his steps in hopes of finding the brooch. She asked him where he was going in such a hurry and he'd absentmindedly told her about the missing brooch, which led to an extensive search of the castle. She'd found the encrusted sapphire and gold ornament under his bed making him feel foolish for not thinking to look there first.

After safely returning the pin to his father's chamber, they sneaked into the kitchen for a sweet bun. They'd shared laughter and secret hopes, parting with an innocent goodnight kiss. They kept their friendship hidden from most of the castle's occupants until they both turned sixteen, and William decided he was in love with her. It didn't matter how many duchesses or princesses King Malcolm arranged for his son to meet, he had his heart set on one woman. Finally, the king gave up on procuring his son a bride, and decided to focus more on his elder brother Rupert, the future king of Albannach. Malcolm decided to let William have his fun until a more regal woman caught his eye, but one such as the king hoped for never did.

When they turned seventeen, they wed in the castle gardens, but Malcolm refused to legitimize the marriage. In the king's mind it had no legal binding because Belle wasn't of royal birth. The pair rebuffed the rejection, and lived out their lives as a happily married couple despite the king's denial.

William never imagined that one day his father would come to him and demand he annul the marriage, but in their third year of marriage he did. William was writing at his desk as he watched his slumbering wife out of the corner of his eye. It was still the wee hours of the morning, but he couldn't sleep, so he decided to journal a bit before his beloved arose and demanded he get her breakfast. He chuckled at her hearty appetite, wondering how she managed to stay so small.

He was pulled out of his disarray of thoughts when he heard a soft knock at the door. He stood up and quietly opened the door to see David, a member of his father's royal guard standing on the other side.

"Your highness, the king demands an audience with you immediately. He said it was imperative." David reported uneasily, and William nodded before glancing back at Belle. "Tell my father I'll be there in fifteen minutes," he replied.

"Of course, your grace," David answered before departing to deliver the message. William felt his heart clench with anxiety. He had this gut-wrenching feeling that things would never be the same for them again. He bent down and kissed Belle's brow softly, brushing stray locks of hair from her eyes.

"I'll be back soon, sweetheart," he whispered in her ear causing her to stir slightly. He pulled the blankets securely around her petite frame before exiting their chamber, and making his way to the throne room.

William sheepishly walked into the throne room with his gaze averted. He never looked his father in the eyes, because it angered him. He was taught as a lad to never disrupt the king unless he was called upon. It wasn't uncommon for many months to pass without a spoken word between them, and he'd grown accustomed to it and preferred being ignored over falling victim to his papa's foul temper.

William bowed low before his father until he was told to rise. "William, it's always a pleasure to see you, my son," the king greeted nonchalantly.

"You called for me father? Your guard said it was imperative that you speak with me," he responded, evading the chance for small talk.

The king straightened up in his chair, holding out his scepter, giving him permission to rise. "Your brother, Rupert, is deceased. He was found dead in some whorehouse this morning. It appears he was poisoned. In three months your brother was to ascend the throne, but since you're the second born, you'll rule in his place. I'm growing old, and my health is frail according to the physician, and I just cannot keep up with my duties as a king much longer. I need someone younger, one with a sharp mind to rule in my place. As much as I favored your brother, he was a dimwit and irresponsible. I need someone more capable to rule in my place, and that's you, my boy. I've arranged for you to marry Milah Umbridge, your brother's betrothed. You'll need to send your help packing unless you want to keep her as your mistress. I'll by no means stop you from doing so," Malcolm expounded casually, making his blood run cold.

"Become king? Marry my brother's betrothed? Send Belle away? You've got to be mad! Give this honor to James! I want no part in it! I don't want to be king!" William vociferated, his blood boiling vehemently.

A sharp stinging sensation spread across his face, the sound of his father's hand cracking against his cheek reverberating in the air. "You'll become king, William, whether you like it or not! It's your highborn duty to become the next king despite what you want! If you decide to disobey me, then I'll cut your pretty plaything into pieces!" he threatened as all of the fight left his son at the mention of harming his beloved.

"And if I do as you wish, you'll promise not to harm her?" he inquired timidly, holding back the tears.

"I'll ensure not a hair on her pretty little head is harmed if you'll comply to my wishes," he responded with a satisfied smirk playing upon his lips.

"Then I'll become the next king of Albannach," he affirmed, his heart splintering as he realized what he would have to do.

"Very well! I'll give you until the end of the week to settle your affairs. Be gone now!" he commanded. William bowed quickly before dashing out of the throne room, wishing to put a million miles between them.

He trudged back to his chamber to see his beautiful wife brushing out her thick chestnut tresses in front of the looking glass, "Why hello there! Where have you been off to?" she greeted him warmly in her alluring accent, one only native to those that came from Avonlea.

He placed his hands on her shoulders, massaging them gently. He buried his face in her mahogany locks, inhaling deeply, attempting to imprint her scent in his subconscious permanently.

"William, what's the matter?" she inquired, picking up on his uneasiness. She turned to face him with concern flashing in her cerulean depths. He cupped her face in his hands, holding back tears that threatened to fall at any moment.

"My father sent for me this morning … He told me that my brother is dead. I'm to become the next king of Albannach … " he paused unable to tell her the rest. She threw her arms around him joyously. "That's wonderful Liam! You'll be a magnificent king!" she gushed. He placed a finger to her lips to stop her, shaking his head softly. "I'm not finished."

She nodded, placing her hands in her lap, giving him permission to continue. "This is really hard for me to say, Belle, but as you know my father has never officially recognized our union. In his eyes we aren't wed, and this morning he told me I'm to marry my brother's former fiance. My father wants me to marry a woman of noble birth. I have to do this. I have no choice," he revealed, putting a few feet between them.

Belle absorbed the news, allowing her mind time to process the information. "Is this what you want, Liam? Do you want our marriage to be annulled?" she inquired dejectedly with sorrowful tears sliding down her cheeks.

He bent down, kneeling in front of her. He took her hand and kissed it amorously. "My heart is breaking, Belle, but I have to do what's best for my country. A kingdom needs strong alliances, and I wish I could keep you here with me forever, but I must do what's expected of me as a monarch. Tomorrow morning, I will put you on a ship sailing for Avonlea, and I-" but she stood up, her oceanic eyes staring daggers through him.

"Liam, I don't have to leave the castle. There's one way I could stay, and I know you're well aware of it! It may break my heart, but I can learn to live with sharing you with another woman if it means I get to stay by your side. Being without you is far too painful a burden to bear." she retaliated filling his heart with guilt.

"Belle … My father has had his fair share of mistresses, and it's led to more manslaughter and misdeeds than I can count. Princess Milah may be a vengeful woman, and I can't bear the thought of any harm coming to you. It's also a dishonorable position, and you deserve a good life outside of this castle. I covet a life full of love and laughter for you. I desire a life filled with children with another who can love you without fear of things like titles and ranks coming between you. I'm afraid that all you'll find if you stay with me is a broken heart," he sighed heavily, interlacing their fingers.

She threw her arms around him before an onslaught of tears assaulted her, baptizing his tunic. "Liam, there's no one I'll ever love as much as I've loved you," she vowed through endless sobbing.

"Neither will I, Belle-of-mine. You'll always have my heart," he returned, taking her hand and placing it over his chest.

"Liam I can't leave you … " she determined, and he kissed her lips fervently, allowing his body to speak the words he couldn't one last time, to show her how devoted to her he truly was. He tangled his fingers in her hair, leading her backwards against the bed until she was splayed beneath him. She returned his kiss with the urgency of a final departure.

Clothes littered the floor as they made love one last time as if their lives depended on it. William committed these final moments of time to the most sacred spaces of his memory, so he could access them when he was missing her the most. It didn't matter that in a few short hours she would be getting on a boat and leaving him behind forever. He selfishly wanted her to stay and become his mistress, but he would never allow her to succumb to a life of ridicule. He loved her more than that.

~X~

Morning arrived far too quickly as the first signs of dawn filtered through their balcony window. He looked down at his beautiful wife whose chestnut tresses splayed out over her pillow like a halo. He kissed her lips tenderly, rousing her from sleep.

"Liam … " she yawned sleepily, breaking the kiss.

He pulled her body against his, relishing the feeling of her supple skin. "I'm not ready to let you go yet," he whispered against the shell of her ear.

"I promise to write you once I reach Avonlea," she vowed tousling his unkempt hair. He kissed her lips adamantly, the saltiness of his tears mixing with his farewell.

"I won't love her. I'll never love her," he spoke brazenly, hardening his features.

She carded her fingers through his locks gently. "Liam, I desire a life filled with love and happiness for you just as you wish it for me. I'll never forget the many wonderful years we've spent together in this castle. I'll forever treasure them in my heart," she imparted breaking his heart with every syllable of her declaration.

"The ship will be departing in three hours. I've procured safe passage for you. A captain by the name of Killian Jones will be waiting for you. You'll have protection and your own private quarters while aboard the ship. I'm sending enough gold to give you a fresh start. I plan on sending you royalties every month. You'll want for nothing, my Belle. You'll always be taken care of," he assured her while evading her declaration of wanting him to love another. He knew in his heart he would never love another as long as he lived.

"Liam, you don't have to send me money. I'll be fine." she reassured him, but he shook his head, grasping his hand in hers.

"Please Belle … Let me do this for you. It'll help me feel better about everything," he remarked, and she sighed.

"All right, but just for a little while. I need to learn to make it on my own for a change. My father's sister, Agnes, still resides in Avonlea. We've been corresponding through letters for years, and I plan to stay with her for awhile. I promise to write you upon my arrival," she affirmed before pushing both legs over the side of the bed, giving a loud stretch. He would miss these morning habits of hers. He would miss everything.

~X~

William watched from the balcony as her carriage departed, arms crossed stoically over his chest. She peeped out of the carriage window, blowing him one final parting kiss. He pretended to catch it, holding it close to his heart, mouthing an "I love you" in her direction. She mimicked the gesture with her meadow colored cloak wrapped securely around her shoulders. Their gazes remained locked until her carriage disappeared over the hill. He tore his eyes away from the landscape below before walking back inside. He straightened out his jacket as he looked upon their freshly made bed which they'd made love in three times that morning before her departure. A single tear slid down his cheek as he made his way towards the council meeting his father was hosting which would foretell of his future as king.

~X~

The carriage stopped abruptly in front of the docks as Belle watched throngs of people scurrying about. The driver opened her door to help her out. Three sailors met them to unload her trunks and place them on the ship. She turned around, startled to see a man wearing a leather jacket. He was nearly a foot taller than her and what many of her ladies would've described as tall, dark, and handsome. He had dark bedroom eyes, a short stubby beard and black soot painted on his eyelids.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, milady. I'm Killian Jones, the captain of this ship, and I'll be your host on this venture. My command is to protect you, and make sure you're comfortable." He winked, taking her hand and kissing it chivalrously. She was certain the comforts he insinuated weren't any she'd be interested in partaking of. She could tell by the aura this man radiated that he'd bedded many woman.

"I'm sure you'll be a fine host Captain Jones, but I can assure you that all the comforts I require are three square meals a day and a sustainable bed to sleep in," she remarked stiffly.

"Well, milady, that much I can oblige," he remarked with disappointment. "How about we head onto the ship?" he inquired proffering her his arm.

"Thank you," she complied, taking it hesitantly before they strolled aboard the ship. He showed her the upper and lower deck, the galley, and introduced her to a few of his crew mates before showing her to her quarters.

She noticed that her three trunks were already settled comfortably in her cabin that consisted of a small cot, chest of drawers, chamber pot, and writing desk. She undid one of her trunks to find a small purse filled with gold coins and a handwritten note. She hid the gold away in a secret compartment, though she was certain she wouldn't be leaving her quarters much during the five day voyage. She wasn't much for mingling, and she decided that she wanted to be out of the "handsy" captain's way the majority of her journey.

She sighed softly, carefully breaking the wax seal etched with the Gold family crest. She pulled out the parchment, opening it to reveal her beloved's intricate penmanship.

My Dearest Belle,

I wrote this letter while you slept because I couldn't bear to acknowledge that within a few hours I would probably never see you again. I want you to know that I'll never stop loving you. I'm so thankful that ten years ago I lost my father's brooch, and as fate would have it ran into you on the stairwell. You've filled my life with untold joy these last few years, and I pray that you find happiness no matter where you go. If you find new love, I hope he treats you with the respect you deserve. I'll never forget you, nor the love we've shared, and if it were up to me, I'd be on that boat with you. At night when the stars are bright and the moon is full, I'll be thinking of you, relishing the fact that you're somewhere gazing at it too. Please don't ever forget me.

With All My Love,

William

Belle clasped the letter to her breast as fresh tears began to stream down her face. Why did fate have to be so cruel? Why bring them together just to tear them apart? She would never know, but she knew beyond this vessel her heart would never belong to another. She would forever belong to William Gold.

~X~

The council meeting adjourned with a rushed first meeting between he and Milah. He wasn't sure what to expect from their first encounter. She was brash and glacial. The look she'd given him was one of pure loathing, and he knew she wanted about as much to do with this marriage as he did. She'd lived in Astyn, the kingdom north of Albannach when she was betrothed to his brother. The two never mingled, and had only met briefly at parties and gatherings before. Rupert was a skirt chaser, and bedded numerous women. He loved the whores just like his father. William was never into that lascivious lifestyle. He'd pledged his heart to one woman and always planned to stay faithful to her. He knew it would be impossible to pledge his heart to another, but he would only vow his allegiance to the queen. She would always have a home as long as she resided here, but he refused to consummate their relationship. He wouldn't give her any heirs. He and Belle had tried throughout the entirety of their marriage for children, but with no luck. Her monthly blood would always come, silently mocking them of their unfulfilled desires, but it was too late now. She was gone and so was their chance at starting a family.

He stared at the four walls of his chamber when this realization hit him, and vehemently smashed his fist into the mirror his beautiful Belle readied herself in front of every morning. Thousands of tiny shards of glass exploded in front of him. Blood oozed from his hand, but his heart was too broken to feel any physical pain. He tore down the crimson and gold fringed drapes hanging above the window … curtains she'd insisted upon sewing herself. He turned his attentions to the rouge duvet, and violently ripped it off the bed before shredding a goose feather pillow in his fit of rage. He glared at the ransacked bedchamber, tears misting behind his eyes, as the embers of his rage disintegrated into anguish. He felt his knees buckle beneath him as he gave in to his overwhelming sorrow. He wept bitterly until he was left hollow and could feel nothing but the glass embedded in his hand. Yet, it didn't compare with the shards of despondency jutting from his battered heart.

A/AN: Thanks for reading! In the next chapter Belle will reconnect with an old friend she hasn't spoken to in years, and Milah confronts William about Belle. I would also like to thank my wonderful beta Charlotte Ashmore as well!